Senate enforces 'no visitor' policy, WFH for employees on June 10-11, 2026 amid threats

Visitors will be temporarily barred from entering the Senate while its employees are on work-from-home (WFH) arrangements from June 10 to 11, 2026 as the chamber heightens security measures in response to alleged security threats.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday issued a memorandum temporarily suspending the Senate’s visitation policy and implementing heightened security measures and preventive safety protocols.

“Offices are encouraged to conduct meetings virtually whenever possible, and use telephone, email, or video conferencing platforms for external stakeholder engagements,” the memorandum said.

“This policy shall remain in effect until the heightened security threat has been resolved and normal visitor access via the Senate Visitor Management System can safely resume.”

Under the heightened alert status, the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) shall observe expanded screening and inspection procedures for all persons, vehicles, packages, deliveries, and equipment entering Senate premises.

It shall also deploy additional security personnel and security posts; intensify perimeter security and surveillance operations; continuously monitor threats and hold vulnerability assessment; and coordinate closely with appropriate law enforcement, intelligence, military, and emergency-response agencies.

“In order to preserve institutional stability, ensure the safety of the Senators, officials, and employees, protect Senate records and facilities, and guarantee the uninterrupted discharge of legislative duties and responsibilities, it is necessary to implement heightened security measures and preventive safety protocols,” the memorandum read.

In a separate advisory on Tuesday, Gatchalian authorized remote work for Senate personnel to ensure their safety and security, while allowing the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct necessary security assessments, inspections, and other precautionary measures within the upper chamber.

“The safety and security of all Senate personnel remain a foremost priority as the concerned authorities undertake the appropriate security protocols within the Senate premises,” the advisory read.

“Heads of offices shall ensure the continuity of operations through appropriate remote work arrangements. If and when necessary, for the performance of security, safety, maintenance, and other essential functions, heads of offices may require on-site attendance of personnel,” it added.

The names of personnel required to report to work physically were also directed to be submitted to the OSAA.

Earlier, senators said they had received information on alleged security threats, as disclosed by NBI Director Melvin Matibag on Monday.

“The security and safety of all senators and all Senate employees is paramount. We will make sure that our work environment is safe and secure,” Gatchalian said.

Meanwhile, the OSAA was likewise ordered to maintain constant coordination and submit timely reports on Senate security with Gatchalian’s office.

Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. was directed to ensure the protection and preservation of Senate records, legislative documents, information systems, and communications infrastructure, and the continuous delivery of administrative and financial operations.

He was likewise ordered to ensure the uninterrupted conduct of the Senate’s business.Gatchalian directed all senators, officials, employees, consultants, contractual personnel, and authorized occupants of Senate facilities to cooperate with the security policies.

He said the memorandum shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force until lifted, modified, or superseded by his office.

Heightened security

In an interview, Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Alfred Corpus confirmed the heightened security status in the Senate.

“Heightened ang aming security right now because of the info that the NBI Director [Melvin Matibag] gave the senators... Ang ingress will increase the security. So far, ‘yun ang gagawin natin,” Corpus said.

(Our security is heightened right now because of the info that the NBI Director gave the senators... The ingress will increase the security. So far, that’s what we will do.)

Asked if the Senate security is confirming the alleged threat, he said: “We’re working with it with the different law enforcement agencies. I am working with different intelligence community to validate the information.”

Earlier, senators said they received information about alleged security threats in the Senate as disclosed by the NBI.

Amid the threats, Gatchalian facilitated remote work arrangement for Senate employees from June 10 to June 11, 2026. — MCG/JMA, GMA News